El Camino del Norte – Day 29

We have now hiked through three regions, the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias. Yesterday, we left Asturias and arrived in Galicia.

Our walk from La Caridad to Ribadeo totalled 23 kms. There were two options. We selected the coastal route for a couple of reasons. It was to be our last opportunity to take in the sea views. From now on we will travel inland, southwest towards Santiago de Compostela. In addition, our guidebook suggested that the other route was a little dull, scenerywise.

The weather forecast indicated a 40% chance of rain for most of the day. Luckily, most of it missed us but we did get caught by a couple of brief showers. The weather was however, dull and heavily overcast. I find it really quite uncomfortable wearing my rainwear. It might keep the rain out but even wearing good quality rainwear, makes me perspire.

We walked with Zena, a young German who only started the Camino two days ago and wanted the reassurance of walking with a couple of ‘old stagers’ so she would not lose her way. It’s funny how we have gone from complete novices to old stagers in four weeks. Zena has recently relocated to Lake Constance. When she goes home and before she starts her new job in July, she plans to cycle around the 250 km perimeter of Lake Constance.

The fourth person in our walking party was Jesus, a Mexican/American who lives in Dallas. He’s retired from the US military. This is Jesus’ second Camino. Last year he completed the Camino Frances.

We crossed a very high 600m long road bridge to enter Ribadeo. The pedestrian walkway is a one metre wide path on the side of the four lane bridge. A bit of an architectual afterthought. Perhaps, because I was exhausted having walked 20+ kms at that stage. Anyway, I came over all peculiar. A touch of vertigo I guess. It was the longest 600 metres I’ve ever walked. I focused on my feet, the roadway, the pedestrian walkway. Anything, but down to the water below.

Ribadeo is an interesting town with plenty for the visitor. Normally, we are just too exhausted at the end of a days walk and do not have the inclination to walk around the towns we stay in. Yesterday, however, was different. I was keen to invest in a new pair of hiking shoes. I am now the proud owner of a pair of Chiruca’s. I don’t expect readers to be in the least interested. In case anyone is, they have a gore-tex lining and a vibram sole.